Cons

Breakfast not included as standard

Long elevator queues at times

Some parts of the hotel feel tired

Reports of an impersonal atmosphere

Bottom Line

Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus has a convenient location on the European side of Istanbul, 15 minutes from Taksim Square. With massive event spaces, free Wi-Fi, and a business center, it’s no wonder most guests are business travelers. Leisure guests can make use of the pools, gym, spa, hot breakfast buffets (for a fee), and multiple dining options. The 499 rooms are contemporary and well-outfitted with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and kettles. Some spaces are tired, the atmosphere can feel a bit impersonal, and elevators might have long waits, but that’s not uncommon with large and upscale chain hotels such as this. Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Pera is a good alternative with a chic design and a location that’s closer to the historic area.

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Historic hotel with a long list of celebrity guests and an elegant design

The Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus is the longest operating international Hilton Hotel. It’s been around since 1955 and has hosted famous guests like Sophia Loren, Louis Armstrong, Grace Kelly, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden. Celebrity clientele aside, this is a typical business chain hotel with extensive meeting spaces and a sometimes cold, impersonal atmosphere. But plenty of family-friendly amenities and leisure spaces like pools, a spa, gym, and seven dining options are on offer and keep things welcoming overall. Inside, the decor is a mix of elegant stateliness with high ceilings with crown molding and chandeliers, contemporary furniture, printed rugs, and lovely stained-glass windows. The hotel manages to add some cultural elements like black-and-white historical photographs and Turkish-inspired patterns on furniture and pillows. Business travelers are the primary guests here, though couples are attracted to the upscale amenities too.

Fifteen minutes on foot from Taksim Square and surrounded by restaurants and a park

Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus has a central location on the European side of Istanbul. It’s just a 15-minute walk to Taksim Square and it takes 11 minutes on foot to reach the Nisantasi district. The Dolmabahce Palace is a 23-minute walk from the hotel. There’s dining options on surrounding streets, a park behind the hotel, and shopping options that are 12 minutes away on foot. For those who want to explore the old parts of the city and attractions like the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, it’s about a 21-minute drive away from the hotel. If traveling without a car, there’s a metro stop that’s 13 minutes away on foot, a bus stop that takes four minutes to reach, and a tram that’s a five-minute walk away. It’s a 35-minute drive to Istanbul Ataturk Airport.

With a cream and white color scheme, rooms are pleasant and stylish. Some of the units look a bit tired, though for the most part, they’re well-kept. Views from furnished balconies vary between the city and Bosphorus River. Rooms are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, minibars, safes, and kettles. Bathrooms are spacious and come with shower/tub combos, Peter Thomas Roth toiletries, and hairdryers. Those who book Executive Rooms and Suites have access to the Executive Lounge which offers free breakfast, snacks and drinks throughout the day, and a space to work or relax.

There are plenty of features for all types of travelers at Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus. Leisure travelers can enjoy an indoor and outdoor pool serviced by a pool cafe in the summers. There's a spa with a sauna, Turkish baths, hot tub, beauty treatments, and massages. The hotel’s gym is large and well-equipped with cardio and weight equipment and is complemented by outdoor tennis and squash courts. As far as dining, there are seven dining options on-site, including the Bosphorus Terrace Restaurant which serves a breakfast buffet in the mornings, as well as buffets for lunch and dinner. Other cuisine is also highlighted here, like Chinese cuisine at Dragon Restaurant and Indian food at Dubb Indian Bosphorus. The Lobby Bar and Lobby Lounge offers drinks and snacks, as does the Veranda Bar & Terrace in a hip setting. Room service is available.

Business travelers are taken care of here with 27 meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour business center. An Executive Lounge offers free breakfast and snacks throughout the day for guests who booked Executive Rooms and Suites. Kid-friendly amenities are plentiful with a children’s pool, baby accessories, bikes, coloring books, family rooms, free meals for kids under six, and a free stay for kids under 18 years of age. Other perks include pet-friendly policies, valet parking (for a fee), and shops that sell clothes, trinkets, and cultural pieces.